Independent Presidential Candidate, Akwasi Addae, popularly known as ‘Odike’ has cast doubts over the flagship policy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama.
Mr Mahama during the NDC’s national policy dialogue held between February 22 and February 23 at the Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region underscored the importance of the 24-hour economy.
According to Mr. Mahama, the 24-hour economy is the surest way for the country to achieve its significant economic expansion.
“The 24-hour economy remains the surest way to achieve significant economic expansion, boost productivity, meet demand, curb unbridled imports and their attendant adverse effects on our economy, currency and, above all, generate well-paying jobs for the millions of people without employment.”
He remarked that the 24-hour economy has offered hope to the increasingly “restless and despondent population.”
“In particular, the 24-hour economy policy has found resonance with most Ghanaians, especially the youth, as confirmed by both data-based and anecdotal evidence. This policy has offered hope to our increasingly restless and despondent population that the half measures and mismanagement they see under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, which has plunged us into suffering, will soon give way to more prudent and forward-looking programmes,” he stated.
But Odike speaking on Angel Morning Show (AMS) on Monday, 26th February, 2024 said he is shocked and confused about the 24-hour economy which is being touted by the NDC.
According to him, the policy is already been implemented in Ghana because several companies operate for 24 hours. He therefore called on the NDC to come again with the explanation of the whole 24-hour policy.
“When you ask them to explain the 24-hour economy, then they falter…they are just there talking about the benefits of the 24-hour economy without answering the question of how it can be done…why are they running away if they really believe it is going to be the game changer…?,” he quizzed on the show.
To him, the NDC’s failure to fully explain the whole 24-hour economy to his satisfaction and that of many Ghanaians is just a sign that the party does not believe and understand the whole policy.
“NDC can never implement the 24-hour economy because they simply don’t understand the whole concept around that policy. When we ask them to go into detail, they begin to insult you…something that really goes to tell that the NDC can only implement a 24-hour insults and not a 24-hour economy…,” he added.